Blalock Wins Alachua Runoff Election

ALACHUA ‒ J ennifer Blalock has defeated Malcolm Dixon in the May 4 runoff election to become the next commissioner on the City of Alachua Commission. Blalock clinched the race for Seat 5 on the commission with 452 votes, or 58 percent, compared to 327 votes, or 42 percent for Dixon.

Blalock faced Dixon and Gary Kocher in a three-way race on April 13, which led to the runoff election as no candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote. In that race, Blalock received 389 votes, Dixon received 263 votes and Kocher received 231 votes. Commissioner Gary Hardacre did not seek re-election to Seat 5, leaving the post open to the three candidates.

Alachua Commissioner Shirley Green Brown was re-elected to Seat 4 during the April 13 election, defeating Gregory E. Pelham. Brown claimed victory with 51.4 percent of the vote as compared to Pelham’s 48.6 percent of the votes counted.

Blalock has lived in Alachua for 20 years and is currently the regional manager for O2B Kids, an early childhood learning center. About winning the election Blalock said, “I am extremely honored and humbled by the results of this election. I love this community and I love the people who call the city of Alachua home. I am ready to take on this great responsibility and to work tirelessly for all of my neighbors here in the city of Alachua. I promise to be a diligent leader and a compassionate listener. Thank you for this great opportunity.” Blalock stressed her knowledge of the community in the race. She said she likes the direction of the current commission and is particularly interested in maintaining quality recreation and education, adding jobs and repaving and maintaining roads.

Blalock will be sworn into office during the regular City Commission meeting on May 10, 2021 at 6 p.m.

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